I've used this jacket for almost a year now. It's been in Wales, Scotland, and all through the ADK. During hard rain I've noticed this jacket doesn't stay 100% dry, but for colder conditions, this jacket is bomber. I normally wear a small, but got the x-small and it fits well with my layers and everything!It's deciving, because the water doesn't bead and run off the jacket, it soaks in, and that could be perhaps one of its downsides.

I got this jacket in October and had to return it in March. It was getting picks on it like a sweater and the outer, red layer was wearing away to expose the silvery lining. I got the same jacket again hoping the same thing wouldn't happen. Well, the second jacket is picking again...and I've only had it for 28 days!!! I think I've worn it about 8 times. I will be returning this jacket for a refund. It's too bad, I really liked it. But the quality is really, really bad. Also, it's not a waterproof as I would have hoped. The water kind of soaks in and doesn't bead off.VERY DISAPPOINTED.

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Merchant response: Thank you for your review! We are disappointed (and a bit surprised) to hear this as this jacket has become a staff & customer favorite. Some of our climbing guides in North Conway have really put some heavy wear on this piece ice climbing and mountaineering and have reported good durability, however we stand behind out gear so please give us a call if there is anything we can do!

It has been a relatively warm winter, so when I took a hike with my semi-insulated Columbia shell, I got very sweaty, it was just too warm. I knew I needed a waterproof shell that had no insulation, with enough room to wear additional layers if necessary. This shell was just what I was hoping for. It is light but feels very durable. For much of my hike, it was warm enough just with a polypro shirt underneath, but at the top when I needed a little extra insulation, I put on a fleece and it still felt comfortable. It has good windbreaking capability and I got many compliments on the color.

Haven't been out in the rain yet with this but I've used it a few times for hikes and it seems pretty good. Hard to tell how breathable it is or how water proof it will be but it is comfortable. Sleeves are a little long for me but I'm learning that's not such a bad thing really. Only thing I've found I don't really like is the hood is attached to the collar near the top of the collar. There have been days when I don't need the hood but it feels odd and doesn't seem to lay right if the collar is zipped all the way up but the hood is down. That could be my own quirk though. Got the red and I love it! Very bright and visible.

My primary use for this jacket is for layering on day hiking trips. I've only had it a short time so I can't give a full review on certain weather days but I'll tell you what I know so far. It's currently "winter" here so I have not been out in the rain with it. Wore it yesterday on a day hike and it felt good. Kept the snow off me and didn't seem to sink through anywhere so I stayed dry that way. The pit zips are nice once you get warmed up but don't want to take it off since you'll just put it back on when reaching the top anyway. I got the red and love it! its a little faint two tone on the body and arms. I got the medium for a slightly roomier fit over my insulating layers and its pretty much perfect. The sleeves are a little long for me but not enough to take away a star. I'm giving it 4 stars since I don't know how waterproof it really is yet. Feels pretty comfortable so I would recommend it for outdoor sports. Its not the thinnest of materials so it also doesn't feel like it'll tear if you move wrong. Its not a noisy material either which I really like. I hate wearing a jacket that sounds like a paper bag when you move your arms or something. Good so far!

Just got this jacket a couple weeks ago and the most I've used it out in the rain has been about 20-30 minutes but I stayed completely dry underneath it. The drawcord hood is great to adjust it so the "visor" is tight around your head. I already recommended this to a friend who bought it right after me! I plan on using a lot more on my hikes in the Adirondacks and around home. So far so good! And what an amazing deal I got on it too! Thanks EMS :)

I was looking for a waterproof, breathable outer layer for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. This jacket is perfect. I wear a mid weight, tech wick, base layer with a fleece jacket under the Orion. Today while cross country skiing the precipitation was constant. I stayed dry and warm. I am looking forward to many years of use for many outdoor activities.